Both the Beoplay H95 (see image) and the Beoplay HX come with Adaptive ANC (Active Noise Cancellation technology).
#Note: Find full B&O review list at the bottom.
At total, there are 3 members of B&O's over-ear headphone line-up, and H95 and HX are the two most popular for casual use.
I also have an article on H9 vs H9i, but they've been discontinued by B&O, so disregard them.
In summary, Beoplay H95 and HX offer comparable sound quality. Beoplay H95 is more expensive than the Beoplay HX because of its 10% longer battery life (38 vs 35 hours), foldability, superior connectivity and its hard case that is included in the sale.
For most of us, however; I don't think these differences are worth the extra price tag, so getting the Beoplay HX could be the better idea in most cases.
There's a very informative comparison chart for Beoplay H95 vs HX vs Portal on bang-olufsen.com. 100% check it out before you attempt to make any purchase.
- There's also a chart specific to H95 vs HX.
Fills the bill for most of us average Joe's.
So how do you choose the right pair? Here are some pointers on these two contenders to help you decided.
Design and Comfort
Beoplay H95
These headphones look classy. Noticeably so. No two ways about it.
The soft top grain lambskin ear cushions with ductile memory foam are magnetically detachable. The dials on the housing are aluminum.
Additionally, the headphones fold away into a sleek, heavy-duty carrying case with plush lining that matches its color.
There are 5 colors available: Black, Chestnut, Navy, Grey Mist, and Gold Tone.
Materials used: Titanium, Lambskin leather, Cowhide leather, Polymer Fabric.
Beoplay HX
The Beoplay HX is very similar in its build and design. Equally classy to look at, it's lightweight, which makes it suitable for extended usage. The headband has a 'comfort zone' in the center to reduce pressure on your head.
These don’t fold away like the Beoplay H95, though. And come with a fabric carry bag instead.
The Beoplay HX is available in 3 colors: Timbre, Black Anthracite, and Sand.
Materials used: Aluminium, Leather, Fabric Polymer, Rubber.
Sound
The Beoplay HX (see image) is available in 3 colors: Timbre, Black Anthracite, and Sand.
Noise Isolation
Both headphones come with Adaptive ANC (Active Noise Cancellation technology).
Driver Type
The specs are identical here as well. Both the Beoplay H95 and the Beoplay HX come with an Electro-dynamic 40 mm titanium driver with Neodymium magnets. So we’re looking at formidable audio quality.
Driver Sensitivity
For those who came late, driver sensitivity is a specification that refers to the efficiency of a driver to turn an electrical audio signal into sound pressure. Some differences between the siblings show up here:
- Beoplay H95: 101.5dB, 1mW @1kHz
- Beoplay HX: 95dB @ 1kHz / 1mW
Frequency Range
This is identical on both: 20 – 20,000 Hz. So both give you an equally rich spectrum of sound.
Impedance
Headphones & Earphones have a certain resistance to the electric current transmitted by their amplifier. This process of transmission and resistance is termed impedance.
There’s a significant difference here:
- The Beoplay H95 gives you 12 Ohm.
- The Beoplay HX, on the other hand, gives you 24 Ohm.
If that’s too technical for you, all you need to know is that between the driver sensitivity and impedance, both headphones give you what eventually amounts to head-to-head quality in sound.
Fills the bill for most of us average Joe's.
Customizable Sound EQ
One really handy feature Bang & Olufsen offers on their headphones is the preset EQs they come with. Available via an App, you can adjust bass, mids, and treble to your taste.
Also, do check out the comparison chart between Beoplay H95 and HX.
Connectivity
The Beoplay H95 (see image) gives you 38 hours battery life.
Connectivity is key to your daily-use headphones. These are tools you want to integrate into your lifestyle. So the seamlessness with which they combine with your gadgets, the hands-free convenience, and the functionality you gain are vital.
Both the Beoplay H95 and HX come with some convincing features. These are:
- Wireless Connectivity: Beoplay H95: Bluetooth 4.2. Beoplay HX: Bluetooth 5.1
- Sound Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive
- Voice Assistant Integration: (Dedicated button)
- Microphone: 4 x MEMS for Voice Mics (2 mics sharing with ANC). Additionally, 4 x Dedicated MEMS mic for ANC function (2 mics in each earcup)
- Multipoint: 2 active devices concurrently
- Inputs and Outputs: There are differences here! The Beoplay HX comes with a 1.25 m audio cable with a 3.5 mm mini-jack for corded connectivity: 1.25 m USB-A to USB-C cable for charging. The Beoplay H95, on the other hand, gives you 1 x USB-C for charging and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Battery Life
Verdict
In conclusion, this is how the Beoplay H95 and the Beoplay HX stack up against each other:
- Design and Comfort: Beoplay H95 wins due to more color options, foldability, and the included hard case.
- Sound: Tie.
- Connectivity: Beoplay H95 wins
- Battery life: Beoplay H95 wins
- Price: The Beoplay HX wins.
Also, do check out the comparison chart between Beoplay H95 and HX.
Fills the bill for most of us average Joe's.
Make no mistake, the Beoplay H95 does make the extra dollars pay off. That being said, both headphones are premium products offering commendable value.